Best Fishing Kayaks Under $500

Buying a kayak for fishing is a lot cheaper than buying a more traditional boat, but some of the newer and more expensive models can still put a serious dent in your bank balance. However, if all you desire is to get out on the water and fish, it is possible to pick up a few bargains along the way. Here are six kayaks that might not be as feature packed as their more expensive brethren, but can be yours for under $500.

Feelfree Move Angler

Expect to pay: About $499.99

For smaller paddlers or kids with an interest in kayak fishing, the Feelfree Move Angler is a great entry-level option at an affordable price. The design of the Move Angler is based on that of the original Move kayak by Feelfree, which is favored by many paddlers. Although this is a smaller kayak, it still comes packed with all the essential features you need for angling. The most important of these are the two rod holders that are included, each with security rod leashes. Another addition that anglers will appreciate is the Kingfisher seat from Feelfree, which ensures that your time out on the water is comfortable. The tri-hull of the Move Angler boosts its stability, but it also has great tracking and is very maneuverable. The integrated bow, stern and side carry handles, along with the wheel in the keel and the low weight of this kayak makes it very manageable to transport. Other noteworthy features include a quarter turn hatch, drinking bottle holder and rear tank well with bungee straps.

Emotion Stealth 11 Angler

Expect to pay: About $449.00

The Emotion Stealth 11 Angler is a versatile kayak that is at home in various types of water. So, if you enjoy mixing it up by angling in slow-moving rivers, lakes and the surf, then this is the affordable option that can get the job done in all of them. It features a tall, padded backrest along with plenty of padding on the seat to ensure you can come back from a long day on the water without aches and pains. It doesn’t matter what size you are either, as the molded-in footwells provide a custom-like fit. In addition to the two flush mounted rod holders in the back of the kayak, it also comes complete with an adjustable rod holder up front for trolling. You can easily access your tackle box thanks to the storage bungee on the bow, while it also has a solace hatch for below deck storage. For the rest of your gear, there is a roomy rear tankwell with a cargo net lacing system. While the Stealth 11 Angler isn’t very heavy, transporting it is made even simpler due to its front, back and side carry handles as well as skeg wheel.

Perception Sound 10.5

Expect to pay: About $459+

According to Perception, the main selling points of the Sound 10.5 are the fact that it is feature rich and has a “friendly” price. This kayak is suitable for both beginner and intermediate paddlers with features like a stabilizer hull for enhanced tracking and stability. It has a large cockpit opening with enough legroom for yourself along with your gear. A molded-in dashboard tray as well as an easy access tankwell behind the seat provides additional storage. For anglers, the two molded-in rod holders and the Scotty Baitcaster rod holder makes the Perception Sound 10.5 an attractive choice. If you are looking for a good workhouse with plenty of storage space and a durable design, then the Perception Sound 10.5 fits the bill.

Old Town Vapor 10 Angler

Expect to pay: About $399.99+

There is a reason why the Vapor 10 is one of the most popular kayak models from Old Town and it is not just its very affordable price. This kayak is especially appealing to newcomers as it is very lightweight, tracks great, offers plenty of maneuverability and takes very little effort to turn. It is also a comfortable ride, thanks to its adjustable seat and foot straps. Although not packed with accessories, the Vapor 10 does have all the essentials, such as flush mounted rod holders, thigh pads a skid plate and anchor trolley system. Its smaller size means you have to optimize your space, but overall it is a solid and reliable kayak.

Perception Pescador 10

Expect to pay: About $499

For less than $500 you will have to settle for the Pescador 10 from Perception instead of the larger Pescador 12 but, apart from the smaller size, there aren’t a lot of other compromises. This kayak features a rotomolded polyethylene construction for durability and a seat with EVA foam seat pads as well as height-adjustable padded back for your comfort. Storage options include a bow hatch, tankwell with bungee, and stern day hatch, while the 2 flush-mount rod holders are perfect for trolling.

Malibu Kayaks Sierra 10 Pro Series

Expect to pay: About $459

The Sierra 10 Pro Series from Malibu Kayaks might be compact, but still offers plenty of room for comfort as well as your fishing gear. It tracks very well for a kayak of its size and offers great stability as well. The extra large cockpit with Apex seat is comfortable enough that you can spend hours out on the water and, thanks to the large rear well area you can take along enough bait and other essentials to last that long. Additional gear can also be stowed in the internal front storage. Two rear flush mount rod holders are obviously also featured on this kayak. If you are looking for something stable and reliable that packs all the essential features along with plenty of comfort and space then this kayak offers good value for money.